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US 11,754,208 B2Granted
Pipe fitting with grip ring
AssigneeMueller International, LLC
InventorRyan Fairchild Larson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pipe fitting includes a fitting body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first fitting end, and an second fitting end, the inner surface defining a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, a portion of the inner surface defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting end; and an engagement assembly comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel, the metal grip ring defining a ring body and a plurality of teeth extending inward from the ring body, the engagement assembly configured to slide along the tapered region.
Claims26
A pipe fitting comprising:
- a fitting body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first fitting end, and a second fitting end, the inner surface defining a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, a fitting axis extending centrally through the channel, a portion of the inner surface defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting end, the channel configured to receive a pipe therein;
- and
- an engagement assembly comprising:
- a metal grip ring received in the channel, the metal grip ring defining a ring body and a tooth extending inward from the ring body, the engagement assembly configured to slide along the tapered region;
- and
- a substantially C-shaped guide ring defining a guide outer surface, a guide inner surface, and a substantially C-shaped slot defined between the guide outer surface and the guide inner surface, wherein the ring body of the metal grip ring engages the substantially C-shaped slot, and wherein the substantially C-shaped slot defines an open first slot end and an open second slot end opposite the open first slot end;
- wherein the tooth defines a proximal edge coupled to the ring body and a distal engagement edge distal to the ring body, the tooth defines a first width at the distal engagement edge and a second width at the proximal edge, and the first width is greater than the second width;
- and
- wherein the tooth is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fitting axis in a pre-assembled configuration prior to receiving the pipe in the channel.
6 more elements
A pipe fitting assembly comprising:
- a fitting body defining a first fitting end, a second fitting end, and a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, wherein a fitting axis extends centrally through the channel, and wherein the channel is configured to receive a pipe therein;
- a gasket disposed in the channel, the gasket defining a gasket first lateral end, a gasket second lateral end, a gasket outer surface, and a gasket inner surface, a plurality of flanges extending radially inward from the gasket inner surface;
- and
- an engagement assembly disposed in the channel, the engagement assembly comprising a grip ring and a guide ring, the grip ring defining a ring body and a tooth extending inward from the ring body, wherein the tooth defines a proximal edge coupled to the ring body and a distal engagement edge distal to the ring body, the tooth defines a first width at the distal engagement edge and a second width at the proximal edge, and the first width is greater than the second width, the guide ring defining a substantially C-shaped slot configured to receive a portion of the grip ring, wherein the substantially C-shaped slot defines an open first slot end and an open second slot end opposite the open first slot end;
- wherein the tooth is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fitting axis in a pre-assembled configuration prior to receiving the pipe in the channel.
2 more elements
A method for tightening a pipe fitting assembly comprising:
- inserting a pipe into a channel of a pipe fitting in an inward direction, the pipe fitting defining an inner surface, a first fitting end, and a second fitting end, the inner surface defining the channel, the channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, wherein a fitting axis extends centrally through the channel;
- engaging the pipe with an engagement assembly disposed within the channel, wherein the engagement assembly comprises a grip ring and a guide ring, the guide ring defining a substantially C-shaped slot configured to receive a portion of the grip ring, the grip ring defining a ring body and a tooth extending inward from the ring body, wherein the tooth defines a proximal edge coupled to the ring body and a distal engagement edge distal to the ring body, the tooth defines a first width at the distal engagement edge and a second width at the proximal edge, and the first width is greater than the second width, and wherein the substantially C-shaped slot defines an open first slot end and an open second slot end opposite the open first slot end, and wherein the tooth is oriented substantially perpendicular to the fitting axis in a pre-assembled configuration prior to engaging the pipe with the engagement assembly;
- pulling the pipe in an outward direction opposite of the inward direction;
- and
- sliding the engagement assembly along a tapered region of the inner surface to increasingly press the engagement assembly into engagement with the pipe.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.